Book reviews

I have a lovely stack of what I refer to as ‘boosters’. These are resources that fill in gaps, go more deeply into topics, and are versatile enough to be the spines of lessons as well as excellent support resources. They boost up just about anything I need to use with...

I began a new position a week ago, and as is wont to happen when you walk into a new space, you find that you have closets, classrooms, and other areas to sift through and organize. I had just finished pulling out a box filled with catalogs and magazines from 1989,...

If you ever want a good laugh, you should gather my older three children and have them do a live action version of The Pilgrim’s Progress. We have read many different adaptations of this book over their childhoods, really sinking into the original when they got...

It gets tiring as a children’s minister and as a parent having to constantly check for proper representation of God’s children in books. Combing through curriculum, finding ways to supplement so that every child can see him/her/themself in the lessons takes a lot of...

For over two decades, I have had the honor of partnering with congregations across the country and in many denominations, helping them discern what they are called to be doing in ministry with youth. The conversation about confirmation always features strongly. There...

One of the greatest honors of my life is being able to live among and learn from youth. Their clarity, their energy, and their strength regularly help me see the world through better lenses. I truly appreciate their questions and their low tolerance for garbage. If...

As you would expect in a place that houses 7 children and 2 adults, my home is strewn with papers, pencils, crayons, and markers. Under the table, under the couch, between the cushions, shoved into drawers, even in the refrigerator (not sure why, but it happens)....

Eight years ago, my family and I moved from the New York City suburbs to a city in Pennsylvania. New Yorkers have a reputation for being loud, brash, and sometimes rude. My experience with them has been more about being helpful, community minded, but in loud and...

Last year, Picture The Bible by Stacy Johnson Myers landed on my desk and I was instantly enchanted by it. I have enjoyed it alongside many children, used it as inspiration for projects with families, and have snuggled up with it with my own babes for a...

This resource bridges two giant roles in my life; parenting my crew of seven and serving in the field of children’s and family ministries. It’s too hard to choose which perspective to use for this review, so I’m deviating from my usual form and offering you two...